The troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested 35 suspected oil thieves for allegedly operating illegal refineries and breaking into pipelines to siphon crude oil in four Niger Delta states.

The states are Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers.

The spokesman of the Nigerian Army 6 Division, Port Harcourt in Rivers State, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, October 27, 2024.

Danjuma stated that the troops also destroyed 58 illegal artisanal refineries and seized about 11,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 355,000 litres of adulterated diesel during the raids.

Danjuma said the operations were conducted between October 21 and October 27 as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate oil theft and illegal bunkering activities in the Niger Delta region.

He stated: “In Rivers, troops dismantled 22 illegal refineries and confiscated 131,500 litres of illegally refined diesel, 10,300 litres of condensates, and two wooden boats.

Troops destroy 47 illegal refineries in one week

“Six suspected oil thieves were apprehended during operations in Akuku-Toru, Ahoada East, Degema, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas (LGA), as well as in Obiofo Oil Field, Odagwa and Imo River.”

In Akwa Ibom State, Danjuma noted that the troops achieved notable successes, dismantling 34 illegal refining sites and arresting 27 suspects across various communities.

Items seized included 215,000 litres of adulterated diesel, 19 wooden boats, nine vehicles, and 20 nylon bags used to store petroleum products.

The army spokesman added: “In Delta, we arrested two suspected oil thieves and seized 1,200 litres of crude oil, 16 cellophane bags, two wooden boats, and one vehicle in Warri South and Ethiope West LGAs.

“Operations in Bayelsa led to the destruction of two illegal refining sites and the seizure of 8,500 litres of diesel and 10,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

“At least seven wooden boats were confiscated, and three vandals were arrested during the raids in Ekeremor, Nembe, Southern Ijaw, and Yenagoa Local Government Areas.”

The Star